(Bunmi Nelson And Funke Akindele. Photo by PM Nigeria News)
Actress Bunmi Nelson has admitted she regrets looking down on Funke Akindele when they were starting out.
Speaking on a podcast, Nelson said she never imagined Akindele would become as successful as she is today.
Nelson recalled turning down a chance to work with Akindele early in their careers.
She said Akindele had asked to use her house for a film shoot and even brought veteran actress Mama Fali Werepe to her Magodo home to film there.
But Nelson ignored Akindele’s calls and didn’t take the opportunity seriously.
Nelson acknowledged this was a mistake, saying she allowed something to cloud her judgment at the time.
She was part of the entertainment industry back then and was getting calls from Akindele, but she just brushed them off.
She missed what turned out to be a major opportunity between 2006 and 2007 when Akindele was encouraging people to join the Yoruba film industry.
Looking back, Nelson said the experience has taught her humility.
She stressed that life has shown her nothing stays the same and that people shouldn’t underestimate or look down on others.
She used the situation to warn the public that success is unpredictable and to treat everyone with respect.
Akindele has since become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated filmmakers with multiple blockbuster films and production credits.
